Wild Death Valley
March 13 – 18, 2026
2 Spots Left
Snorkel with Sharks & Manatee
3 Spots Left
At a Glance
Location
Florida
Tuition
$7,995
Dates
January 19 – 24, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 4 Guests
Collections
- Learning Lab
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Snorkel with Sharks & Manatee Photography Workshop
Photograph Florida’s most iconic marine life up close
January 19 – 24, 2027
- Photograph manatees in clear Florida springs and sharks in blue water
- Expert-led instruction for both freshwater and open-ocean encounters
- Suitable for confident snorkelers—no scuba certification required
This Florida snorkeling and underwater photography workshop takes you from the crystal-clear freshwater springs of central Florida to the deep blue Atlantic waters off the southern coast. It’s a journey designed for photographers eager to explore two of the state’s most captivating marine environments—tranquil Florida springs filled with manatees and vibrant offshore shark habitats shaped by the Gulf Stream. In the springs, you’ll learn underwater photography techniques in calm, clear waters surrounded by lush aquatic vegetation and gentle wildlife. Along the Atlantic coast, you’ll experience the thrill of photographing sharks in open water, working in safe, guided settings that are ideal for honing wide-angle composition and available-light shooting. With professional instruction and in-water support, this Florida marine photo workshop blends adventure, skill-building, and the chance to capture powerful images that reflect the state’s remarkable underwater diversity.
You will begin in these sheltered springs, where gentle, slow-moving manatees drift through the clear water. Their relaxed behavior and the shallow depths make it easy to concentrate on camera handling, fine-tune your buoyancy, and work on thoughtful compositions. This is your chance to create intimate wide-angle portraits, environmental scenes, and quiet moments that capture the character of these curious animals as they glide by.
Next, you will travel to southern Florida’s Atlantic coast for a very different experience in offshore blue water. Here, the warm Gulf Stream currents attract a remarkable variety of shark species close to shore. Working with one of Florida’s most experienced shark photography operators, you will have the opportunity to look for and photograph species such as tiger, great hammerhead, bull, dusky, silky, lemon, reef, and sandbar sharks. The careful use of bait brings sharks into view for safe, controlled encounters that are designed with photographers in mind, giving you time to work on clean compositions and decisive moments as these powerful animals move through the water.
Learning is constant throughout this workshop, with focused practice on techniques such as wide-angle composition, working with available light, managing backscatter, anticipating animal movement, and maintaining good buoyancy and positioning in the water. Your pro will be with you both in the water and on shore, helping you refine your camera settings, improve your compositions, and review your images so that each session builds on the last. Snorkeling gear can be provided, and if you do not already have an underwater housing, we can recommend trusted suppliers in the United States to help you get set up with confidence before the trip.
Your Pro
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and other local factors. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the inherent risks, including the possibility of injury or death, before the start of the workshop.
January 19, 2027: Arrival and Orientation in Ocala
Arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA), Tampa, Florida before 11 AM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
We’ll meet as a group at the airport and transfer to Ocala. After checking into our hotel, we’ll have lunch and gather for a welcome briefing to discuss the week ahead, gear preparation, and an overview of underwater techniques for manatee and shark photography.
January 20, 2027: First Encounters with Manatees
We’ll be on the water early for our first manatee session in the crystal-clear springs. Expect calm, shallow conditions—perfect for building comfort with your underwater camera gear and capturing intimate portraits of these gentle giants. In the afternoon, we’ll hold our first image review session, focusing on composition, camera settings, and fine-tuning for tomorrow’s shoot.
January 21, 2027: Final Manatee Session and Transfer to the Coast
A final morning with the manatees gives you the chance to refine your technique and try new approaches. After lunch, we’ll make the drive to southern Florida’s Atlantic coast, our base for the shark portion of the workshop. Evening at leisure to rest.
January 22, 2027: Shark Photography: First Dives and Image Review
After a morning spent preparing gear and reviewing safety protocols, our first shark dive takes place around midday, when lighting and sea conditions are at their best. Working with Florida’s most experienced shark photography operator, we’ll set up for close encounters with a variety of species. In the afternoon, we’ll return to shore for an in-depth image review and feedback session.
January 23, 2027: Full Day of Shark Encounters
A full day offshore with two shark sessions—morning and afternoon—maximizing our opportunities for diverse encounters. We’ll regroup on the boat between dives for quick reviews and strategy adjustments.
January 24, 2027: Final Review and Departure Preparation
Our final image review focuses on editing techniques and takeaway skills for future underwater photography. Transfer to Palm Beach International Airport for your journey home.
Depart at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), West Palm Beach, Florida after 2 PM on January 25, 2027.
Underwater Housing
You will need a dedicated underwater housing for your camera. A quality housing will protect your gear from water damage while giving you control over all camera functions.
If you don't already own one, there are excellent rental options available across the United States. We can connect you with reputable suppliers who carry housings for most popular camera brands, as well as compatible ports, domes, and accessories. Rentals can be shipped to your home before the workshop or directly to your hotel. If you plan to rent, we recommend arranging this well in advance to ensure availability for your specific camera model. We are happy to advise on housing setup and maintenance during the workshop.
These companies below supply rental underwater housing:
- Aquatech.net
- Lens Pro To Go
- Lens Rentals (15% off with MUENCHLENS15)
Please note: Your underwater housing is your sole responsibility. Muench Workshops cannot be held liable for any damage, leaks, or malfunctions of camera housings—whether owned or rented—nor for any resulting damage to your equipment.
Fitness
Challenging: This is a snorkeling trip, so no scuba certification is required. Participants should have some experience using a snorkel, be confident in the water, and able to climb a boat ladder unassisted. Expect to spend up to one hour at a time in the open ocean in light to moderate swell. A floating tow rope is available so you can rest comfortably, so you won’t need to kick to swim for the entire duration. An optional lifejacket is available. You should be comfortable managing your own snorkeling equipment and camera housing.
Flights
Arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA), Tampa, Florida before 11 AM on January 19, 2027. Depart at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), West Palm Beach, Florida after 2 PM on January 24, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $950 supplement.
- Lifejackets and snorkelling equipment
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Talor Stone.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Underwater camera housing
- Single rooming available for supplement of $950.
- Travel to Tampa, Florida and from West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $950 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your non-refundable deposit of $4,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further non-refundable payment of $0 is due by May 1, 2026.
- The non-refundable balance is due not later than September 1, 2026.
- In addition to our standard Terms and Conditions, for this workshop all payments are non-refundable, and this is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancelation.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this workshop focused on advanced underwater techniques, you'll practice wide-angle composition, working with available light, managing backscatter, and anticipating animal movement. You'll also focus on maintaining good buoyancy and positioning in the water for optimal shots.
Yes, you'll need a dedicated underwater housing for your camera to protect it from water damage while allowing full control over camera functions. We can recommend rental options if you don't already own one.
You'll have the opportunity to photograph manatees in the clear springs of central Florida and a variety of shark species, such as tiger, great hammerhead, and bull sharks, in the Atlantic waters off the southern coast.
The workshop is rated as challenging. You should be confident in the water, able to use a snorkel, and comfortable climbing a boat ladder unassisted. Expect to spend up to one hour at a time in the open ocean.
Yes! With the opportunity to practice in the calm springs before we head to the open water, you'll have plenty of time to acclimate to underwater photography. Our Pro will provide lessons in advance and guide you throughout. With a small group size, you are sure to improve your skills!
You might also like…
